Tasteful Curation: Reviewing a Diverse and Impressive 10-Watch Collection

An obsession with clean dials, meticulously crafted movements, and limited editions gives rise to intriguing and exquisite timepieces

This all began with a friendly challenge posed to my watch enthusiast friend, known as Foodie. Our conversation revolved around the difficult task of paring down one’s collection – a topic that isn’t easy to discuss. I challenged Foodie: if he could identify a 10-watch set that he truly loved, I would write a review of his collection.

It took Foodie a few days to finally settle on his ultimate 10-watch set. Honestly, I wish I owned some of his pieces. His collection includes both remarkable foundational models and rare, exquisite limited editions. His refined taste is the result of many years of extensive research, hands-on experience, and relentless pursuit.

In keeping with my word, here is my review of Foodie’s 10-watch collection. All the pictures below were taken by the owner.

#1 Omega Speedmaster Anniversary Series “Snoopy” Ref: 310.32.42.50.02.001

For many passionate watch enthusiasts, the Omega Speedmaster is a must-own timepiece or at least one to experience. Among the numerous Speedmaster models released over the years, this latest “Snoopy” edition is undoubtedly one of the most desirable.

(Image from Omega website)

Released in 2020, this model commemorates the 50th anniversary of Omega’s "Silver Snoopy Award" from NASA, given for the brand's role in the Apollo 13 mission. It features a white silver dial, blue accents, and a unique animated caseback depicting Snoopy in space, powered by the advanced Caliber 3861. Though not a limited edition, its historical significance and whimsical design make it highly sought after by collectors.

This watch holds a special place in Foodie’s heart, as his wife loves it too, particularly the dial's aesthetic. His daughter adores the animated case back, where Snoopy rides in his rocket ship descending towards the Moon.

#2 Cartier Santos Dumont Rose Gold Ref: WGSA0054 (Limited 250)

The Cartier Santos Dumont is not only the world’s first pilot watch, designed in 1904 for aviation pioneer Alberto Santos-Dumont, but is also widely recognized as one of the first wristwatches designed for men. The Ref. WGSA0054, which debuted at the 2022 Watches and Wonders, is a modern interpretation of this historic model, yet it retains all the original design DNA.

(Image from Cartier website)

This timepiece dazzles with an elegant and classic design, featuring a beige dial, a beige lacquer bezel, and rose gold case that as a whole create a stunning look. This 250-piece limited edition was love at first sight for Foodie, who quickly secured an allocation as soon as he saw the watch's pictures from Watches and Wonders.

#3 Urban Jürgensen Ref: 1140 White Gold

Urban Jürgensen, now led by master watchmaker Kari Voutilainen, celebrated its 250th anniversary last year. Rumor had it that the launch of new models to mark this milestone was delayed. However, we can certainly look forward to their arrival soon, although whispers suggested the prices will be quite high. Savvy collectors like Foodie have been acquiring rare, exquisite pre-owned Urban Jürgensen models at more reasonable prices in anticipation.

This Urban Jürgensen Ref. 1140 in white gold exemplifies what makes Foodie tick — a simple, three-hand watch with a meticulously crafted dial and an exquisitely finished movement. The hand-engine-turned blue guilloché dial, beautifully sculpted lugs, and satisfying interior angles make this piece truly special.

#4 Habring² Chrono-Felix Shellman 50th Anniversary Model Black (Limited 15)

Master watchmaker Richard Habring, along with his wife Maria, founded Habring² in 2004 after a distinguished career at IWC. Owning one of these Austrian-crafted timepieces is almost a rite of passage for enthusiasts of independent watchmaking.

This collaboration piece with Shellman, a Tokyo-based retailer of indie brands, stands out for several reasons. First, the vintage-inspired sector dial features a striking black and gold colorway, blending the styles of Art Deco and Bauhaus. Second, the in-house chronograph movement is ingeniously operated by a single button. Finally, the model comes with a stylish 7-link stainless steel bracelet, which is a rarity for Habring².

#5 Daytona Oysterflex Paul Newman dial reference 116518LN

Foodie is an avid collector of Rolex watches, so I was curious to see which Rolex model he would include in his 10-watch collection. The answer was a very special Rolex Daytona, introduced in 2020, often referred to as “Paul Newman” due to its iconic dial design and contrasting colors.

This yellow gold watch exudes a greater degree of luxury compared to the “Panda” Daytona, in my opinion. The bezel is made of black ceramic with an engraved tachymetric scale, and the Oysterflex bracelet offers unmatched comfort, especially during the summer.

#6 Lang & Heyne Hektor Shellman Edition Salmon Dial (Limited 5)

Saxony is often referred to as the cradle of German watchmaking, and its capital city, Dresden, is home to Lang & Heyne, an exclusive independent brand. Lang & Heyne produces 100-200 timepieces annually, depending on the complexity of the requested complications by its clients.

While there are many stainless steel sports watches with integrated bracelets released over the years, few can match the beauty and rarity of the Hektor by Lang & Heyne. Since its introduction in 2021, only 114 examples have been produced, making Foodie’s Shellman Edition Hektor an exceptionally special piece. Only four other collectors can claim to own the same model.

This is the second Shellman collaboration in Foodie’s collection. Apparently, he has a particular fondness for their tasteful collaboration pieces.

#7 Grand Seiko SBGX333 MOP Dial (Limited 500)

The Grand Seiko SBGX333, released in 2019, is a prime example of how this top Japanese watch brand has captured the hearts of watch enthusiasts worldwide. With its super clean design, ultra-thin profile, and snug fit on the wrist, it exudes elegance and class. The dial, made of white mother-of-pearl, reflects ever-changing colors, adding to its charm.

Part of the Grand Seiko Elegance Collection, this timepiece is powered by a quartz caliber 9F61, which boasts an impressive timing accuracy of +/- 10 seconds per year. Undoubtedly, it can serve as the reference timepiece for all the other watches in Foodie’s collection.

#8, #9 A Pair of Sublime Credor Eichi II, GBLT999 and GBLT996 (Limited 30)

Credor is a brand that remains mysterious to many, as it is not widely known outside of Japan. Primarily geared toward the Japanese domestic market, Credor timepieces are difficult to find internationally, and their production volume is particularly low, especially for pieces made by the famous Micro Artist Studio.

(Image from Credor website)

While Credor is known for producing high-complication timepieces, the most highly regarded three-hand model is the Credor Eichi II. The hour markers are painstakingly hand-painted onto the porcelain surface, and the hand-finishing work on the movement by the Micro Artist Studio is second to none, often compared to that of Philippe Dufour.

The Credor Eichi II is powered by the manual-winding Spring Drive Caliber 7R14, offering an accuracy of +/- 15 seconds per month. The movement's barrel features a design echoing the bellflower, the symbol of Shiojiri City, where the Micro Artist Studio is located. It has been reported that only 20 examples of the Credor Eichi II are produced each year.

Given such limited availability, it is remarkable that Foodie owns not one, but two Credor Eichi II timepieces. The first is the GBLT999 with a platinum case, and the second is GBLT996, a 30-piece limited edition celebrating Credor's 50th anniversary, featuring a yellow gold case and a stunning blue dial.

What a fantastic pair of high horology!

#10 Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual-Time “Everest” Ref: 7910V (Limited 150)

The Gen-3 Overseas Dual-Time from Vacheron Constantin is one of the most intuitively designed travel watches, in my humble opinion. The local time can be quickly and independently adjusted via the crown, while the home time is easily readable at a glance with a central 12-hour hand, accompanied by an AM/PM indicator. The date, linked to the local time, can be conveniently set with the push of a button.

(Image from Vacheron Constantin website)

Foodie has managed to acquire a particularly special version, known as the “Everest,” born from a collaboration with explorer Cory Richards. Unlike the standard stainless steel models, the case, bezel, crown, pusher guards, and pusher of this model are crafted from titanium.

The dial is rendered in a grayish-blue, providing a vivid contrast with the orange hands of the second time zone and AM/PM indicator. The model also features a display caseback and a 22k pink gold oscillating weight engraved with an image of Mt. Everest, based on a photograph taken by Cory Richards.

Summary with a Suggestion

Here we have it: a marvelously assembled 10-watch collection that spans a wide range of brands and models. It includes iconic pieces from established brands like the Speedmaster, Overseas, Daytona, and Santos Dumont, as well as rare and exquisite creations from top independent makers such as Lang & Heyne, Urban Jürgensen, and Habring². The collection is rounded out by the finest offerings from Credor and Grand Seiko.

Among the 10 watches, there are three chronographs, one travel watch, and six three-hand timepieces. Another way to categorize them is as six dress watches and four sports watches. Clearly, Foodie has a penchant for clean dials and fine movements hand-crafted to the highest standards. He favors precious metals, with cases made of platinum, rose gold, yellow gold, and white gold. His collection includes six limited editions, which significantly enhance its rarity.

So, what might be the next steps for Foodie in his watch-collecting journey? It will be exciting to check back with him in a couple of years.

I have one suggestion for him to explore further: the world of Patek Philippe. The creations of this venerable brand are so diverse that there are sure to be models that would fit his collecting themes. Furthermore, the connection with the brand extends beyond the timepieces themselves. Beautifully printed magazines featuring the arts, culture, and history of watchmaking are delivered twice a year to owners. There is also the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva, a true mecca for watch lovers.

Finally, Foodie’s watch box is a treasure trove that many would admire with envy. We appreciate the passion, persistence, and impeccable taste that went into curating such an extraordinary set of timepieces.